Polygonatum

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Easily grown members of the Liliaceae usually thought of as being for a shady, or half-shady, leafy spot under trees or shrubs. Almost all of the species appreciate a humus-enriched soil. They do need a season to establish new roots, after being moved, please make allowance for this.

They are adaptable and the taller species will also do well in the open garden. The very dwarf and alpine species are ideal in pots or sinks.

They are largely pest and trouble-free. The exception to this is a grey sawfly caterpillar which is found all over the country. If this occurs then it is easily be dealt with, with a systemic insecticidal spray or even household fly spray.

Those offered will slowly clump under the right conditions of light, or dappled, shade, humus-rich soil and good drainage. They are very tolerant and will put up with a lot!

Ordering possible from (late) Autumn and Spring lists.

Products

Polygonatum hookeri

An unusual, dwarf, Himalayan species, 10cm tall with loose spikes of small, bell shaped, lilac-pink, spreading flowers held amongst the leaves of the short stems. A personal favourite and a little gem.

Good in the peat garden this also does well in a sink, making a very dwarf and slow-spreading clustered tuft of leaves and flowers.


Polygonatum hookeripolhoohoo	£5.50
Flowering sized rhizomes.(Naturally a small, slender rhizome.)

Polygonatum humile

A very dwarf Solomon's Seal from Japan and China with short upright stems, only about 10-15cm tall. These stems are clothed with small alternate, short, broad, pleated leaves packed tightly along the length. These spring from a compact nest of interwoven, thin, slightly creeping rhizomes which will, in time, form a nice compact clump.

The flowers are borne in the axils of the upper leaves and despite being small (this is a dwarf species after all) they are large in relation to the short stems. The flowers are white, tipped with green and have a faint and pleasant Christmas cake scent in still warm weather. Sometimes black berries will follow.

This prefers a humus-rich soil in light shade, though it will take sun or deeper shade. Fully hardy here over many years and a lovely, quiet addition to a shade or peat garden.


Polygonatum humilepolhumhum	£5.50